The 27th Chinese naval escort taskforce has returned to China after completing merchant ships escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia and a port visits to three north African nations.

The 27th Chinese naval escort taskforce consisting of the guided-missile destroyer Haikou, the guided-missile frigate Yueyang and the comprehensive supply ship Qinghaihu arrived at the Port of Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 19, for a 2-day technical stop.

The guided-missile frigate Yancheng (Hull 546) of the 28th Chinese naval escort taskforce set out in west waters off the Gulf of Aden on a mission to escort UNWFP merchant ship SELIN-M at 9 am on Feb. 2, local time.